Pachycaudex mellifera is an experimental hive developed in collaboration with ceramist Raphael Serres and natural beekeeper Khagan. It was installed at Khagan's apiary, surrounded by Warré hives, and photographer Leo Aupetit documented the installation of a bee colony.
Conceived as a speculative shoreline plant that adapted to arid environments, this specimen evolved a thick, water-storing caudex, which over time became a natural refuge for bee colonies. The symbiotic species partially absorbs the honey produced by its bee inhabitants while digesting wax into a single-coated petal. At its apex, it secretes a glucose-based toxin designed to attract honeybee predators.








